Drive circuit for display device and display device

ABSTRACT

According to one embodiment, a drive circuit for a display device includes a plurality of pixels. Each of the pixels includes a memory, and a display element driven based on output data of the memory. The drive circuit includes a storage control circuit for storing, in the memory, the data from a signal line, and a display control circuit which provides the display element with a display signal or a non-display signal based on the data stored in the memory. The drive circuit changes a display area from a first display state to a second display state. When the drive circuit sets the display area to the second display state, the drive circuit supplies a signal which does not depend on the image data to the display element.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority fromJapanese Patent Application No. 2015-214558, filed Oct. 30, 2015, theentire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

Embodiments described herein relate generally to a drive circuit for adisplay device, and a display device.

BACKGROUND

In a liquid crystal display devices which has a color display panel,pixels are arranged in a row direction (X-direction) and a columndirection (Y-direction). The X-direction intersects with theY-direction. Each pixel (which may be referred to as a pixel circuit)comprises a color filter and functions as a red (R) subpixel, a green(G) subpixel or a blue (B) subpixel.

Display panels comprising a memory in each subpixel have been developed.

In each liquid crystal display device, for example, gate lines parallelto the X-direction are arranged at regular intervals in the Y-direction.Source lines parallel to the Y-direction are arranged at regularintervals in the X-direction. The pixels are provided near therespective intersections between the gate lines and the source lines.

Some liquid crystal display devices comprise a digital memory in eachsubpixel. This type of liquid crystal display device does not need tofrequently supply voltage to all the source lines (in other words, doesnot need to rewrite pixel signals) when a static image is displayed inthe entire display area of the device for a long time. Thus, powerconsumption can be reduced in the device. In addition, when a staticimage is displayed in a part of the display area, and moving images aredisplayed in the remaining part, there is no need to frequently applyvoltage to all the source lines. In this case, voltages (in other words,pixel signals for moving images) need to be applied to the source linesof the partial area in which the moving images are displayed. In thismanner, power consumption can be reduced in the device.

In some cases, the whole screen of the display device should be switchedto, for example, white display or black display at once. If the normalimage display has been switched to black or white display on the wholescreen, the eye-catching effect or highlighting effect can be enhancedin the display device. For example, when the above display switching isperformed by a display device which shows the information of an item ofmerchandise on a display shelf at a store, it is possible to draw theattention of customers to the commodity.

To perform the display switching, the memory data of subpixels of theentire display area need to be rewritten to data for black or white. Ina case of active-matrix driving, a line is specified perpendicularly inseries. In this manner, data for black or white is written to each line.Thus, time is required to complete rewriting the whole screen. Inaddition, power is consumed during this period. If the frequency ofrewriting is slow, images in the process of rewriting are visuallyrecognized as an image lag.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 schematically shows the structures of a signal supply circuit anda display device as a whole according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2A is a circuit diagram showing the basic structure of a pixelcomprising a memory.

FIG. 2B shows an example of an operation which is performed when data iswritten to a memory in a pixel comprising the memory.

FIG. 3 shows an example of the state in a period (display period) inwhich data is stored in a pixel comprising a memory.

FIG. 4 shows examples of waveforms and storage data for explaining anexample of an operation in a period (display period) in which data isstored in a pixel comprising a memory.

FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram showing the details of the circuit structureshown in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 6A shows an example when a particular display is performed in adisplay panel according to the embodiment.

FIG. 6B shows another example when a particular display is performed inthe display panel according to the embodiment.

FIG. 6C shows another example when a particular display is performed inthe display panel according to the embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram showing an example of the specific structureof a drive circuit according to the embodiment.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the operation form of switchesof the circuit shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 shows examples of waveforms of signals FRP, xFRP, VCOM and xVCOMfor obtaining the displays shown in FIG. 6A, FIG. 6B and FIG. 6C.

FIG. 10 is shown for explaining a structural example for externallycontrolling the drive circuit according to the embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a circuit diagram showing an example of the specificstructure of the drive circuit according to another embodiment.

FIG. 12A shows an example when a particular display is performed in thedisplay panel according to the embodiment.

FIG. 12B shows another example when a particular display is performed inthe display panel according to the embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a circuit diagram showing other basic structures of pixelseach comprising a memory.

FIG. 14A shows a display example when a particular display is performedin the display device using the pixels shown in FIG. 13.

FIG. 14B shows another display example when a particular display isperformed in the display device using the pixels shown in FIG. 13.

FIG. 14C shows another display example when a particular display isperformed in the display device using the pixels shown in FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 shows another embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a circuit diagram showing other basic structures of pixelseach comprising a memory.

FIG. 17 is a circuit diagram showing an example of the specificstructure of a drive circuit which drives the circuit shown in FIG. 16.

FIG. 18A shows an example of the external appearance of a price tagdevice to which the above embodiments are applied.

FIG. 18B shows an example when the price tag device shown in FIG. 18Ahas been changed to a particular display state.

FIG. 19A shows an example of the basic structure of a subpixel which canexhibit a plurality of gradations.

FIG. 19B is shown for explaining the gradation types which can beexhibited by the subpixel shown in FIG. 19A.

FIG. 20A is shown for explaining a display example of a display panelwhich can exhibit gradation.

FIG. 20B is shown for explaining a display example when the displaypanel of FIG. 20A has been switched to a particular display.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In general, according to one embodiment aims to provide a drive circuitfor a display device which is capable of concurrently andinstantaneously changing the display in a predetermined area (the entirescreen area or a part of the entire area) for approximately severalmicroseconds to several tens of seconds by a simple operation whilerealizing reduction in power consumption. The embodiment also aims toprovide such a display device.

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a drive circuitfor a display device comprises a plurality of pixels. Each of the pixelsincludes a memory for storing a digital signal based on image data, anda display element driven based on output data of the memory. The drivecircuit further comprises a storage control circuit for storing, in thememory, the data from a signal line corresponding to the memory, and adisplay control circuit which provides the display element correspondingto the memory with a display signal or a non-display signal based on thedata stored in the memory. The drive circuit changes a display area froma first display state to a second display state. When the drive circuitsets the display area to the second display state, the drive circuitsupplies a signal which does not depend on the image data to the displayelement.

An Embodiment will further be described with reference to the drawings.

The disclosure is merely an example, and proper changes in keeping withthe spirit of the invention, which are easily conceivable by a person ofordinary skill in the art, come within the scope of the invention as amatter of course. In addition, in some cases, in order to make thedescription clearer, the widths, thicknesses, shapes, etc., of therespective parts are illustrated schematically in the drawings, ratherthan as an accurate representation of what is implemented. However, suchschematic illustration is merely exemplary, and in no way restricts theinterpretation of the invention. In addition, in the specification anddrawings, structural elements which function in the same or a similarmanner to those described in connection with preceding drawings aredenoted by like reference numbers, detailed description thereof beingomitted unless necessary.

FIG. 1 schematically shows an example of the structure of a displaypanel PNL. A display device comprises an active-matrix display panelPNL. The display panel PNL comprises a first substrate SUB1, a secondsubstrate SUB2 facing the first substrate SUB1, and a liquid crystallayer LQ held between the first substrate SUB1 and the second substrateSUB2. The second substrate SUB2 is indicated by alternate long and shortdashed lines.

A display area DA is equivalent to the area in which the liquid crystallayer LQ is held between the first substrate SUB1 and the secondsubstrate SUB2. The display area DA is, for example, rectangular. Inthis area, a plurality of subpixels PX (PX11, PX12, . . . ) are arrangedin matrix.

The first substrate SUB1 comprises a plurality of gate lines G (G1 toGn) extending in a first direction X, and a plurality of signal lines S(S1 to Sm) intersecting with the gate lines G extending in the firstdirection X. The signal lines S extend in a second direction Y.

The gate lines G (G1 to Gn) extend to the outside of the display area DAand are connected to a gate line drive circuit (first drive circuit) GD.The signal lines S (S1 to Sm) extend to the outside of the display areaDA and are connected to a source line drive circuit (second drivecircuit) SD. For example, the first drive circuit GD and the seconddrive circuit SD are at least partially provided on the first substrateSUB1, and are connected to a control device (which may be referred to asa driving IC chip or a liquid crystal driver) CP. In the figure, thecontrol device CP is mounted on the first substrate SUB1 outside thedisplay area DA of the display panel PNL.

The second drive circuit SD comprises a multiplexer MPX in order tosupply a pixel signal received from the control device CP to acorresponding subpixel via a signal line corresponding to the pixelsignal. Thus, the multiplexer MPX outputs the received pixel signal toan appropriate signal line.

The control device CP comprises a built-in clock-and-timing-pulsegeneration circuit (which may be referred to as a controller or asequencer) in order to control the first drive circuit GD, the seconddrive circuit SD, etc. The clock-and-timing-pulse generation circuitgenerates, for example, a timing pulse necessary for synchronouslyoperating the display panel PNL as a whole. The timing pulse generationcircuit is included in, for example, a drive circuit 120.

The control device CP includes a signal supply circuit 110. The signalsupply circuit 110 is capable of internally synchronizing image datareceived from outside and providing the second drive circuit SD with theoutput image data. The signal supply circuit 110 is controlled by, forexample, a mode control circuit 1211 included in the drive circuit 120,and is capable of switching the operation mode in accordance with thetype of image data. Specifically, for example, the image data as thetypes may be the image data of red (R), green (G) and blue (B), theimage data of red (R), green (G), blue (B) and white (W), the image dataof red (R), green (G), blue (B) and dummy (DUM), or merely the imagedata of 1 bit. The signal supply circuit 110 may apply gamma correctionto the received image data depending on the need.

A common electrode CE is formed of a transparent material on the secondsubstrate SUB2 and corresponds to the entire display area DA. Forexample, the common electrode CE is formed in common with a plurality ofsubpixels PX. The common electrode CE electrically extends to theoutside of the display area DA and is connected to the power feedingportion provided inside the control device CP. The power feeding portionapplies constant common voltage (which may be referred to as a commonsignal) VCOM to the common electrode CE. The common electrode CE mayproduce an electric field for driving the liquid crystal layer betweenthe common electrode CE and each pixel electrode PE.

Color filters are arranged in a plurality of subpixels PX in accordancewith predetermined regulations. The color filters face the pixelelectrodes with the liquid crystal layer LQ interposed and are formed onthe second substrate SUB2.

The control device CP is further explained. The control device CPcomprises the drive circuit 120. The drive circuit 120 comprises, forexample, the mode control circuit 1211 which controls the display modeof the display panel PNL, a storage control circuit 1212 which storesdata in the memory of each subpixel PX, and a display control circuit1213 which provides a display element with a display signal or anon-display signal used by the display element to obtain display basedon the data stored in the memory. The operation of the drive circuit 120is explained in detail later.

The control device CP includes a central processing unit (CPU) 130. TheCPU 130 controls the operation of the display device by receiving anoperation signal for power-on or -off, an operation signal from anoperation button (including a display button in a display portion), adata input signal from an external device, etc. In this case, theoperation sequence of the display device is set based on the softwareprogram stored in a memory (not shown).

FIG. 2A shows the structure of each subpixel PX (which may be referredto as a pixel or a pixel circuit) comprising a memory. In the subpixelPX, an end of switch SW0 is connected to the signal line S. The otherend of switch SW0 is connected to memory M0. Memory M0 comprises, forexample, inverters IN1 and IN2. Inverters IN1 and IN2 are connected inparallel in opposite directions. The input terminal of inverter IN1 (theoutput terminal of inverter IN2) is connected to the control terminal ofswitch SW1. The output terminal of inverter IN1 (the input terminal ofinverter IN2) is connected to the control terminal of switch SW2. Theinput terminal of switch SW1 is connected to a first signal line Poa(first drive line). The output terminal of switch SW1 is connected tothe pixel electrode PE of the display element formed in the liquidcrystal layer. The input terminal of switch SW2 is connected to a secondsignal line Pob (first drive line). The output terminal of switch SW2 isconnected to the pixel electrode PE. A first signal (basically displaysignal) xFRP is supplied to the first signal line Poa. A second signal(basically non-display signal) FRP is input to the second signal linePob. The first signal xFRP and the second signal FRP are AC signalshaving the relationship of antiphase, and are generated by the controldevice CP explained with reference to FIG. 1. A common signal VCOM issupplied from the control device CP to the common electrode CE facingthe pixel electrode PE. The common signal VCOM is an AC signal havingthe same phase as the second signal FRP. The circuit comprising switchesSW1 and SW2 may be referred to as a pixel potential select circuit PS.The pixel potential select circuit PS is capable of selecting signalxFRP or signal FRP based on the storage data of memory M0.

FIG. 2B shows an operation example when data 1 is written to memory M0of the above subpixel PX. When a gate pulse GATED is supplied to thegate line G, switch SW0 is on (closed). When a signal SIG (data 1) isoutput to the signal line S, data 1 (high) is written to and stored inmemory M0. At this time, inverter IN1 inverts the input, and thus, theoutput of inverter IN1 is 0 (low). Since the input of inverter IN2 islow, the output of inverter IN2 is high. When switch SW0 is off, data 1is stored in memory M0.

As shown in FIG. 3, when switch SW0 is off (opened), and data 1 isstored in memory M0, switch SW1 is on (closed) by the output of memoryM0, and switch SW2 is off (opened). As a result, the first signal xFRPis supplied to the pixel electrode PE of the display element (liquidcrystal layer) LQ. The common signal VCOM is supplied to the commonelectrode CE.

FIG. 4 shows the change of the difference in potential between the pixelelectrode PE and the common electrode CE in the above subpixel PX. FIG.4 shows that, from time t0 to time t1, the first signal xFRP is suppliedto the pixel electrode PE, and the common signal VCOM is supplied to thecommon electrode CE. Since the relationship of antiphase is establishedbetween the first signal xFRP and the common signal VCOM, the differencein potential between the pixel electrode PE and the common electrode CEis large. At this time, the display element forms a display state.

It is assumed that data 0 is stored in memory M0. In this case, switchSW1 is off, and switch SW2 is on. Thus, as shown in FIG. 4, from time t1to time t2, the second signal FRP is supplied to the pixel electrode PE,and the common signal VCOM is supplied to the common electrode CE. Sincethe second signal FRP and the common signal VCOM has the same phase, thedifference in potential between the pixel electrode PE and the commonelectrode CE is small, or there is no difference in potential betweenthem. At this time, the display element forms a non-display state.

FIG. 5 shows the circuit structure of the subpixel shown in FIG. 2A,FIG. 2B and FIG. 3 in more detail. Switch SW0 is structured by, forexample, thin-film transistor Q0. Memory M0 is structured by thin-filmtransistors Q1, Q2, Q3 and Q4. Switch SW1 included in the pixelpotential select circuit PS is structured by thin-film transistors Q5and Q6. Switch SW2 included in the pixel potential select circuit PS isstructured by thin-film transistors Q7 and Q8. When data 1 is written tomemory M0, thin-film transistors Q1 and Q4 are on, and thin-filmtransistors Q2 and Q3 are off. By the output of memory M0, thin-filmtransistors Q5 and Q6 are on, and thin-film transistors Q7 and Q8 areoff. When data 0 is written to memory M0, thin-film transistors Q2 andQ3 are off, and thin-film transistors Q1 and Q4 are off. By the outputof memory M0, thin-film transistors Q5 and Q6 are off, and thin-filmtransistors Q7 and Q8 are on.

FIG. 6A shows an example when a particular display is performed in thedisplay area DA of the display panel PNL according to one embodiment.The display state of the display area DA changes over time from displayDA_a1 to display DA_a2, DA_a3, DA_a4, DA_a5, . . . . Displays DA_a1,DA_a3, DA_a5, . . . show, for example, the image of an item ofmerchandise on a shelf at a store. For example, black display(particular display) is applied to the whole area of displays DA_a2,DA_a4, . . . between the images of the merchandise. When the displaystate is switched from normal image display to black display on thewhole screen, the eye-catching effect or highlighting effect of thedisplay device can be enhanced. In this manner, it is possible toattract the attention of customers to the merchandise on the displayshelf at the store.

FIG. 6B shows another example when a particular display is performed inthe display area DA of the display panel PNL according to theembodiment. The display state of the display area DA changes over timefrom display DA_b1 to display DA_b2, DA_b3, DA_b4, DA_b5, . . . .Displays DA_b1, DA_b3, DA_b5, . . . show, for example, the image of anitem of merchandise on a shelf at a store. For example, white display(particular display) is applied to the whole area of displays DA_b2,DA_b4, . . . between the images of the merchandise. Effects similar tothose of the above example can be obtained from this display.

FIG. 6C shows another example when a particular display is performed inthe display area DA of the display panel PNL according to theembodiment. The display state of the display area DA changes over timefrom display DA_c1 to display DA_c2, DA_c3, DA_c4, DA_c5, . . . . Normaldisplay is applied to displays DA_c1, DA_c3, DA_c5, . . . . Colorinversion is applied to displays DA_c2, DA_c4, . . . , between thenormal displays. Effects similar to those of the above examples can beobtained from this display.

As stated above, in the present embodiment, each display element is aliquid crystal display element LQ, and the display area DA is changedfrom a first display state, which is a normal state for displaying animage in the dot-matrix of pixels, to a second display state, which is aparticular display state. At this time, the display state may beswitched to a particular display state such as a second mode or a thirdmode. In the second mode, the light-shielding potential of a pluralityof display elements LQ is applied to the first and second drive lines.In the third mode, the phototransmissive potential of a plurality ofdisplay elements LQ is applied to the first and second drive lines. Inthis case, the mode control circuit 1211 switches the first mode to thesecond mode or the third mode by changing the voltage waveform of adisplay signal or a non-display signal supplied to the pixel electrodePE of a display element relative to the voltage waveform (specifically,the continuous voltage pattern as shown in FIG. 4) of the signalsupplied to the common electrode of the display element. The seconddisplay state set by the mode control circuit 1211 may obtain a seconddisplay state corresponding to the inverted data prepared by invertingthe output data of memory M0.

FIG. 7 shows a circuit example for realizing the displays shown in FIG.6A to FIG. 6C. The above particular displays are realized by thecharacteristic operations of the drive circuit 120. The drive circuit120 operates based on an instruction from the CPU 130. The CPU 130 iscapable of controlling the start and end of a particular operation ofthe drive circuit 120 based on an instruction transmitted to a receptionmodule 10 from outside wirelessly or via wireless communication, or aninstruction from a timer (counter) 131.

When an instruction for writing data to subpixels is issued from the CPU130, the storage control circuit 1212 is activated, and data is writtento subpixels. The storage control circuit 1212 controls the gate linedrive circuit and the signal line drive circuit, and writes data to thememory of each subpixel.

When a mode-specifying signal is input from the CPU 130 to the modecontrol circuit 1211 in an image display state, the mode control circuit1211 controls the display control circuit 1213. The mode control circuit1211 supplies a switch control signal to a switch control circuitSW_cont provided in the display control circuit 1213.

The display control circuit 1213 comprises switches SWa, SWb, SWc andSWd. Alternating common electrode drive signals are input to switchesSWa, SWb, SWc and SWd. The common electrode drive signals includesignals (referred to as common electrode first drive signals) producedby inverting AC signals from a common electrode control circuit 1215 inan inverter 1216, and signals (referred to as common electrode seconddrive signals) produced by further inverting the inverted signals in aninverter 1217.

The common electrode first drive signals are supplied to the inputterminals of switches SWb and SWd. The common electrode second drivesignals are supplied to the input terminals of switches SWa and SWc.

The output terminals of switches SWa and SWb are connected to the firstsignal line Poa in common. Its output signal is used as the first signal(a display signal or a non-display signal) xFRP. The output terminals ofswitches SWc and SWd are connected to the second signal line Pob incommon. Its output signal is used as the second signal (a non-displaysignal or a display signal) FRP.

As described above, the mode control circuit 1211 is capable of settingthe duration and/or repetition frequency of the second display statebased on the internal counter and/or a control signal from outside.

FIG. 8 shows examples of control states of switches SWa, SWb, SWc andSWd of the drive circuit 120. When the display device is in the firstdisplay state, switches SWa, SWb, SWc and SWd are off, on, on and off,respectively. At this time, signal xFRP supplied to the first drive lineis an AC signal which changes in a polarity direction (in other words, aphase or a potential direction) opposite to the common signal VCOM.Signal FRP supplied to the second drive line is an AC signal whichchanges in the same polarity direction (in other words, the same phaseor the same potential direction) as the common signal VCOM.

When displays DA_a2 and DA_a4 shown in FIG. 6A are obtained, switchesSWa, SWb, SWc and SWd are on, off, on and off, respectively. At thistime, both signal xFRP supplied to the first drive line and signal FRPsupplied to the second drive line are AC signals which change in thesame polarity direction (in other words, the same phase or the samepotential direction) as the common signal VCOM. Thus, no displaypotential is applied to the display elements regardless of the data ofthe memories. In this way, the entire display area DA is changed toblack display at once.

When displays DA_b2 and DA_b4 shown in FIG. 6B are obtained, switchesSWa, SWb, SWc and SWd are off, on, off and on, respectively. At thistime, both signal xFRP supplied to the first drive line and signal FRPsupplied to the second drive line are AC signals which change in apolarity direction (in other words, a phase or a potential direction)opposite to the common signal VCOM. Thus, display potential is appliedto the display elements regardless of the data of the memories. In thisway, the entire display area DA is changed to white display at once.

When displays DA_c2 and DA_c4 shown in FIG. 6C are obtained, switchesSWa, SWb, SWc and SWd are on, off, off and on, respectively. At thistime, both signal xFRP supplied to the first drive line and signal FRPsupplied to the second drive line in the first display state areinverted and output. Thus, black and white inverted display is appliedto the display state.

FIG. 9 shows a period from t11 to t12 in which the picture is displayedin black and white (normal display), a period from t12 to t13 in whichblack display is applied to the whole screen, a period from t13 to t14in which white display is applied to the whole screen, and an inverteddisplay period from t14 to t15. In each period, the states of switchesSWa to SWd in the display control circuit 1213 are controlled as shownin the table of FIG. 8. By this control, the polarity change of signalsFRP and xFRP is switched.

In the normal display period from t11 to t12, specifically, while thepicture is displayed in black and white, display voltage based on thememory output is applied to the pixel electrode of each subpixel. In theblack display period from t12 to t13, the polarity change of signal xFRPis set such that the difference between the voltage of signal xFRP andthe voltage of the common signal VCOM is the minimum relative to thewhole screen. In the next white display period from t13 to t14, thepolarity change of signal xFRP is set such that the difference betweenthe voltage of signal xFRP and the voltage of the common signal VCOM isthe maximum relative to the whole screen. In the next black and whiteinversion period, specifically, while the picture is displayed with theinversion of black and white, antiphase is applied to the polaritychange of voltage of signals xFRP and FRP in comparison with the normaldisplay period. The phase (potential change) of common signals VCOM andxVCOM is not changed.

In the above description, this specification shows a case where picturesare displayed in black and white, referring to FIG. 9. However,single-color display or inverted display can be realized in colordisplay devices in a manner similar to that of black and white displaydevices as explained later.

FIG. 10 shows that an external device (host computer) 300 is connectedto the control device CP of the display panel PNL via a flexiblesubstrate 301. The external device 300 comprises the reception module 10shown in FIG. 7, and is capable of receiving, for example, an operationsignal transmitted from a remote controller 11 via wirelesscommunication. The operation signal is, for example, a signal fordetermining how often the particular displays shown in FIG. 6A to FIG.6C are applied and/or the frequency of these displays, a signal forimmediately performing a particular display, or a selection signal fordetermining which particular display should be performed from theparticular displays shown in FIG. 6A to FIG. 6C. To automaticallyperform a particular display, information to instruct how often itshould be performed may be set in the timer 131 (see FIG. 7) by anoperation signal from the remote controller 11.

FIG. 11 shows another embodiment. Thus, the present invention is notlimited to the above embodiment. Various modifications may be applied tothe present invention. Structural elements equivalent to those shown inFIG. 7 are denoted by like reference numbers, and detailed descriptionthereof is omitted. In the present embodiment, a plurality of displaycontrol circuits 1213 a to 1213 d having the same structure areprovided. Each of display control circuits 1213 a to 1213 d is capableof outputting the first signal (a display signal or a non-displaysignal) xFRP and the second signal (a non-display signal or a displaysignal) FRP on its own.

The display area of the display panel PNL is divided into a plurality of(for example, four) display areas DA1, DA2, DA3 and DA4. The dividedareas can be separately driven for display. Thus, a part of the displayarea can be changed to the second display state. For example, displayarea DA1 can be changed to the second display state by display controlcircuit 1213 a, and display areas DA2, DA3 and DA4 can be changed to thefirst display state by display control circuits 1213 b to 1213 d. As anapplied example, in a period, display area DA2 can be in the seconddisplay state using display control circuit 1213 b, and display areasDA1, DA3 and DA4 can be in the first display state using display controlcircuits 1213 a, 1213 c and 1213 d. In another period, display area DA3can be in the second display state using display control circuit 1213 c,and display areas DA1, DA2 and DA4 can be in the first display stateusing display control circuits 1213 a, 1213 b and 1213 d.

FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B show examples in which the image display iscontrolled by the embodiment shown in FIG. 11. In FIG. 12A, the displaystate of the display area DA is changed from display DA_d1 to displayDA_d5. Each display includes the second display state in a part of thearea. In displays DA_d1 to DA_d5, for example, black display is realizedin display areas DA1, DA2, DA3, DA4 and DA1, respectively, as particulardisplay areas.

In FIG. 12B, each of displays DA_e1 to DA_e5 includes the second displaystate in a part of the area, and white display is realized as particulardisplay in each of displays DA_e1 to DA_e5. Thus, white display isrealized in display areas DA1, DA2, DA3, DA4 and DA1.

When a particular display is performed as described above, theeye-catching effect or highlighting effect of the display device can beenhanced. It is possible to attract the attention of customers to themerchandise displayed on shelves at stores.

As explained above, the display device comprises a digital signal line Sto which a digital signal based on image data is supplied, and memory M0which stores the digital signal and is provided in a pixel. In the firstdisplay state, the first drive line Poa is selected in accordance withthe digital signal stored in the memory, and supplies the first signal.Further, the second drive line Pob is selected in accordance with thedigital signal stored in the memory, and supplies the second signal FRP.

For example, in FIG. 5, the pixel potential select circuit PS iselectrically connected to the pixel electrode. The pixel potentialselect circuit PS selectively supplies the first signal or the secondsignal to the pixel electrode. The common electrode faces the pixelelectrode. A common signal is supplied to the common electrode. Thecommon electrode produces an electric field for driving the liquidcrystal layer between the common electrode and the pixel electrode. Inthe display device, the mode control circuit sets a storage period forstoring the digital signal in the memory, and a display period in whichthe gate circuit selectively supplies the first signal or the secondsignal to the pixel electrode in accordance with the digital signalstored in the memory. The mode control circuit switches the voltagewaveform of the first or second signal to another voltage waveform andsets the second display state in the display period.

FIG. 13 shows another embodiment. In this embodiment, the display devicecomprises color subpixels. The color subpixels denoted by R, G and B arecolor subpixels comprising red, green and blue filters, respectively.The basic structures of the subpixels are the same. The subpixelscomprise different color filters. In color subpixel R, data for red iswritten to memory M0 from signal line S1 via switch SW0. The operationfor writing data to memory M0, and the display operation which isperformed after the write operation are explained above with referenceto FIG. 2A, FIG. 2B and FIG. 3. When a signal is supplied from memory M0of color subpixel R to the pixel electrode PE of color subpixel R, thesignal is supplied via switch SW3 r. When a signal is supplied frommemory M0 of color subpixel G to the pixel electrode PE of colorsubpixel G, the signal is supplied via switch SW3 g. When a signal issupplied from memory M0 of color subpixel B to the pixel electrode PE ofcolor subpixel B, the signal is supplied via switch SW3 b. Switches SW3r, SW3 g and SW3 b are controlled by control gate signals Gate_r, Gate_gand Gate_b, respectively. Switches SW3 r, SW3 g and SW3 b are capable ofselecting a corresponding memory output, and the first signal xFRP orthe second signal FRP, by control gate signals Gate_r, Gate_g andGate_b, respectively.

It is assumed that the above display device is in a color image displaystate. Switches SW3 r, SW3 g and SW3 b shown in FIG. 13 select signalxFRP or FRP in accordance with the data stored in a correspondingmemory. Each color subpixel is changed to a display state or anon-display state in accordance with the output data from acorresponding memory, and realizes color display as the whole area. Itis assumed that the image of the display area is in the first displaystate, and a color image is displayed. For example, to display asingle-color image in the display area (for example, to apply red to thewhole region), as shown in FIG. 13, the selection states of switches SW3g and SW3 b of color subpixels G and B should be concurrently switchedto the FRP side, and switches SW3 r of color subpixels R should beconcurrently switched to the xFRP side. Cyan and magenta may beconcurrently displayed in accordance with the combination of R, G and Bto change the state to a display state.

FIG. 14A shows a display example in which a particular display isperformed in the display device using the pixels shown in FIG. 13. Thisdisplay example shows displays DA_a1, DA_a3 and DA_a5 in which a colorimage is displayed, and displays DA_a2 and DA_a4 in which the state hasbeen changed to a particular display (in this case, for example, suchthat red is applied to the screen as the single color at once).

FIG. 14B shows another display example in which a particular display isperformed. This display example shows displays DA_b1, DA_b3 and DA_b5 inwhich a color image is displayed, and displays DA_b2 and DA_b4 in whichthe state has been changed to a particular display (in this case, forexample, such that green is applied to the screen as the single color atonce).

FIG. 14C shows another display example in which a particular display isperformed. This display example shows displays DA_c1, DA_c3 and DA_c5 inwhich a color image is displayed, and displays DA_c2 and DA_c4 in whichthe state has been changed to a particular display (in this case, forexample, such that blue is applied to the screen as the single color atonce).

As stated above, the drive circuit 120 includes the mode control circuit1211, and the drive circuit 120 is capable of changing the entiredisplay area of the display device to the second display state. Thedrive circuit 120 is also capable of changing a part of the display areaof the display device to the second display state. Further, the displaydevice may comprise display control circuits capable of independentlyoutputting signals FRP and xFRP as shown in FIG. 11. In this manner, themode control circuit 1211 may change a part of the display area of thedisplay device to the second display state and further shift the part ofthe display area to a different area, or may change a part of thedisplay area to single-color display. A plurality of display elementscorrespond to red, green and blue filters. The second display stateincludes the single-color display states of red, green, blue, black andwhite.

In the display device, each pixel circuit comprises a digital signalline S to which a digital signal based on image data is supplied, memoryM0 which stores the digital signal and is provided in a pixel, the firstdrive line Poa which is selected in accordance with the digital signalstored in memory M0 and supplies the first signal xFRP, and the seconddrive line Fob which is selected in accordance with the digital signalstored in memory M0 and supplies the second signal FRP. The pixelcircuit is electrically connected to the pixel electrode PE. The pixelcircuit comprises the gate circuit GS which selectively supplies thefirst or second signal to the pixel electrode, and the common electrodeCE which faces the pixel electrode, is supplied with a common signal andproduces an electric field for driving the liquid crystal layer betweenthe common electrode and the pixel electrode.

The display control circuit 1213 sets a storage period for storing adigital signal in memory M0, and a display period in which the gatecircuit selectively supplies the first signal or the second signal tothe pixel electrode in accordance with the digital signal stored inmemory M0. The display device changes the image of the display area fordisplaying the image data in the display period. Specifically, forexample, the voltage waveform of the first or second signal may beswitched to another waveform to set the second display state in thedisplay period.

In the first mode of the display device, the potential of the firstsignal is phototransmissive potential, and the potential of the secondsignal is light-shielding potential. In the second mode (white inversionmode), the potential of the first and second signals isphototransmissive potential. The drive circuit having the mode controlcircuit switches the first mode to the second mode in the displayperiod. By switching the first mode to the second mode, it is possibleto perform blinking display using white images.

The display device comprises the first mode and the third mode (forexample, a black inverted display mode). In the first mode, thepotential of the first signal is phototransmissive potential, and thepotential of the second signal is light-shielding potential. In thethird mode, the potential of the first and second signals islight-shielding potential. The drive circuit 120 having the mode controlcircuit 1211 is capable of switching the first mode to the third mode inthe display period. By switching the first mode to the third mode, it ispossible to perform blinking display using black images. Thus, it ispossible to realize blinking display using white and black images byswitching the applied mode among the first mode, the second mode and thethird mode.

The display device comprises the first mode and the second mode. In thefirst mode, the first signal is a signal different from the commonsignal, and the second signal is the same signal as the common signal.In the second mode (white inversion), the first and second signals aresignals different from the common signal, and the drive circuit 120having the mode control circuit 1211 is capable of switching the firstmode to the second mode in the display period.

The display device comprises the first mode and the third mode. In thefirst mode, the first signal is a signal different from the commonsignal, and the second signal is the same signal as the common signal.In the third mode (black inversion), the first and second signals arethe same signals as the common signal, and the drive circuit 120 iscapable of switching the first mode to the third mode in the displayperiod.

The display device comprises the first mode and a fourth mode (aswitching state between negative and positive displays). The firstsignal in the first mode is the same signal as the second signal in thefourth mode. The first signal in the fourth mode is the same signal asthe second signal in the first mode. The mode control circuit is capableof switching the first mode to the fourth mode in the display period.

FIG. 15 shows a modification example of the color display device shownin FIG. 13. The embodiment of FIG. 15 is different from that of FIG. 13in terms of the types and arrangement of color filters. The otherportions are substantially the same as those of the embodiment shown inFIG. 13. In the embodiment of FIG. 15, when the first row is viewed inthe first direction, the color filters are arranged in the order of R,G, B, R, G, W, . . . . When the second row is viewed in the firstdirection, the color filters are arranged in the order of R, G, W, R, G,B, . . . . Thus, in the first column, the color filters are arranged inthe order of R, R, R, R, . . . . In the second column, the color filtersare arranged in the order of G, G, G, G, . . . . In the third column,the color filters are arranged in the order of B, W, B, W, . . . . Inthe fourth column, the color filters are arranged in the order of R, R,R, R, . . . . The present invention can be also applied to this type ofdisplay device.

As explained above, in the above color display device, for example,single-color display or inverted display can be realized in a mannersimilar to that of black-and-white display devices by controllingswitches SWr, SWq and SWb.

FIG. 16 and FIG. 17 show another embodiment. The embodiment structures apart of a color display device and a drive circuit 120. Structuralelements equivalent to those of the embodiments shown in FIG. 13 andFIG. 7 are denoted by the same reference numbers. In FIG. 16, thecircuit structures of a red subpixel, a green subpixel and a bluesubpixel are shown out of the subpixels for one row. The embodiment ofFIG. 13 has only one system, specifically, the system of signals xFRPand FRP in which a plurality of subpixels can be concurrently driven.However, the present embodiment has three systems, specifically, thesystem of signals xFRPr and FRPr in which only the red subpixels areconcurrently driven, the system of signals xFRPg and FRPg in which onlythe green subpixels are concurrently driven, and the system of signalsxFRPb and FRPb in which only the blue subpixels are concurrently driven.

In the present embodiment, each subpixel is driven in a manner similarto that of the drive circuit explained in FIG. 7. When the screentransitions from a normal display state to a display state in red as thesingle color, the voltage waveform of signals xFRPr and FRPr is outputby the switch selection mode in the white display of the table of FIG.8. At this time, the voltage waveform of signals xFRPg and FRPg andsignals xFRPb and FRPb corresponding to the other subpixels,specifically, the green and blue subpixels, is output by the switchselection mode in the row of the black display of the table of FIG. 8.When the screen transitions from a normal display state to a displaystate in green as the single color, the voltage waveform of signalsxFRPg and FRPg is output by the switch selection mode in the whitedisplay of the table of FIG. 8. At this time, the voltage waveform ofsignals xFRPr and FRPr and signals xFRPb and FRPb corresponding to theother subpixels, specifically, the red and blue subpixels, is output bythe switch selection mode in the black display of FIG. 8. When thescreen transitions from a normal display state to a display state inblue as the single color, the voltage waveform of signals xFRPb and FRPbis output by the switch selection mode in the white display of the tableof FIG. 8. At this time, the voltage waveform of signals xFRPr and FRPrand signals xFRPg and FRPg corresponding to the other subpixels,specifically, the red and green subpixels, is output by the switchselection mode in the black display of FIG. 8.

In the present embodiment, all of the R, G and B subpixels are off(black display) when black display is applied to the whole screen. Allof the R, G and B subpixels are on (white display) when white display isapplied to the whole screen. In a similar manner, in the color displaydevice of FIG. 13, all of the R, G and B subpixels are off (blackdisplay) when black display is applied to the whole screen. Further, allof the R, G and B subpixels are on (white display) when white display isapplied to the whole screen.

FIG. 17 shows an example of the drive circuit for driving the colordisplay device shown in FIG. 16. FIG. 17 is similar to the drive circuit120 explained with reference to FIG. 7. The same blocks as those of FIG.7 are denoted by the same reference numbers as those of FIG. 7, and thedetailed description thereof is omitted. The present embodimentcomprises a display control circuit 1213 r for controlling the displaystate of the red subpixels, a display control circuit 1213 g forcontrolling the display state of the green subpixels, and a displaycontrol circuit 1213 b for controlling the display state of the bluesubpixels. FIG. 17 shows the structure of display control circuit 1213 ras the representative example. Display control circuits 1213 r, 1213 gand 1213 b are capable of concurrently driving corresponding red, greenand blue subpixels. Display control circuits 1213 r, 1213 g and 1213 boutput signals xFRPr and FRPr, signals xFRPg and FRPg, and signals xFRPband FRPb, respectively. Signals xFRPr and FRPr, signals xFRPg and FRPg,and signals xFRPb and FRPb are drive signals for driving correspondingsubpixels as shown in FIG. 16.

FIG. 18A and FIG. 18B show the external appearance of a price tag device401 to which the above embodiments are applied. The price tag device 401is used to show advertising information. The image of the display panelof the price tag device 401 is controlled to be displayed in a normaldisplay state (first display state) and a particular display state(second display state) by the above embodiments. FIG. 18A shows a normaldisplay state. In the example of FIG. 18A, the price of the merchandisehas been changed from 230 yen to 198 yen. In the example of FIG. 18B, anormal display state has been switched to a particular display state (inthis case, to black display on the whole screen).

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. In theabove embodiments, the gradation of pictures or background images is notparticularly explained. However, the present invention can be applied todisplay devices in which pictures and background images can be displayedwith gradation.

The subpixel PX(Y) shown in FIG. 19A comprises, for example, three pixelelectrodes PE(YA), PE(YB) and PE(YC). Pixels comprising respective pixelelectrodes PE(YA), PE(YB) and PE(YC) can be independently controlled tobe on or off. In this manner, the gradation (luminance) can be changedin the whole subpixel PX(Y). The areas of pixel electrodes PE(YA),PE(YB) and PE(YC) are different from each other. As shown in FIG. 19B,eight gradation types Y1 to Y8 can be exhibited by independentlycontrolling the on- and off-states of the pixels comprising pixelelectrodes PE(YA), PE(YB) and PE(YC).

Each of the pixels comprising pixel electrodes PE(YA), PE(YB) and PE(YC)independently comprises a memory. The operation principle of each pixelis the same as that explained with reference to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4.

FIG. 20A shows an example in which background images (left and rightdark areas IMG1 and IMG2) and a picture (vertical bright area IMG3 likea belt) are displayed on the display panel PNL. A pixel array line HLnis shown laterally in the display area as an example. The pixel arrayline HLn includes pixels PX1 to PX10. In the example, pixels PX1 to PX4belong to area IMG1. Pixels PX7 to PX10 belong to area IMG2. Pixels PX5and PX6 belong to area IMG3. In this example, area IMG1 including pixelsPX1 to PX4, and area IMG3 including pixels PX7 to PX10 have gradation Y3(slightly dark). Area IMG3 including pixels PX5 and PX6 has gradation Y6(slightly bright). Gradation is determined in accordance with the valueof data of the memory group MG (see FIG. 19B).

When control is performed to change the whole screen to black as theeye-catching effect, as shown in FIG. 20B, the whole screen of thedisplay panel PNL is changed to black display. At this time, all thepixels are driven by signal xFRP and the common signal VCOM regardlessof the storage data of the memory group MG.

The display device described in each embodiment is preferably used toshow advertising information. As advertising information, the image ofan item of merchandise or the image of the price of an item ofmerchandise can be considered. According to the invention described ineach embodiment, the display state can be switched to the particularsecond display state such as white or black blinking without changingthe signal stored in memory M0. Thus, display can be performed with theeye-catching effect enhanced and the power consumption reduced.

A specific display device can be controlled such that the display stateis changed to the second display state in a remote place inside thestore by performing a remote operation using wireless communication.When the area of the shop is large, or when the shop has a large numberof display devices, there is no need to move to the place of a specificdisplay device to change the display state. In particular, when thedisplay device of the present invention is used as the price tag of anitem of merchandise as shown in FIG. 18A and FIG. 18B, the price tag isprovided for each item of merchandise. Thus, the number of displaydevices is huge. However, when the display state is controlled by aremote operation, there is no need to move to the place of each displaydevice many times.

While certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments havebeen presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit thescope of the inventions. Indeed, the novel embodiments described hereinmay be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, variousomissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the embodimentsdescribed herein may be made without departing from the spirit of theinventions. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intendedto cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope andspirit of the inventions.

What is claimed is:
 1. A drive circuit for a display device comprising aplurality of pixels each including a memory for storing a digital signalbased on image data, and a display element driven based on output dataof the memory, the drive circuit comprising: a storage control circuitfor storing, in the memory, the data from a signal line corresponding tothe memory; and a display control circuit which provides the displayelement corresponding to the memory with a display signal or anon-display signal based on the data stored in the memory, wherein thedrive circuit changes a display area from a first display state to asecond display state, and when the drive circuit sets the display areato the second display state, the drive circuit supplies a signal whichdoes not depend on the image data to the display element.
 2. The drivecircuit of claim 1, wherein the drive circuit sets a duration and/or arepetition frequency of the second display state based on an internalcounter or a control signal from outside.
 3. The drive circuit of claim1, wherein the display element is a liquid crystal display element, andthe drive circuit switches the display area from a first mode in thefirst display state to the second display state, and switches the firstmode to a second mode for applying phototransmissive potential of theplurality of display elements, or a third mode for applyinglight-shielding potential of the display elements, and the drive circuitswitches the first mode to the second mode or the third mode by changinga voltage waveform of the display signal or the non-display signalapplied to a pixel electrode of the display element relative to avoltage waveform of a signal applied to a common electrode of thedisplay element.
 4. The drive circuit of claim 1, wherein in the seconddisplay state, data corresponding to inverted data obtained by invertingthe output data of the memory is displayed.
 5. The drive circuit ofclaim 1, wherein the display elements correspond to red, green and bluefilters, and the second display state includes a single-color displaystate in red, green, blue, black or white.
 6. A drive circuit for adisplay device including a pixel electrode, a common electrode, adisplay element, and first and second drive lines to which voltage tothe pixel electrode is applied, the drive circuit comprising a modecontrol circuit for selectively setting, in the drive circuit, a firstmode and a second mode, or the first mode and a third mode, wherein inthe first mode, the drive circuit supplies, to the first drive line, asignal having a phase opposite to a signal supplied to the commonelectrode, and supplies, to the second drive line, a signal having asame phase as the signal supplied to the common electrode, in the secondmode, the drive circuit supplies, to the first and second drive lines, asignal having a phase opposite to the signal supplied to the commonelectrode, and in the third mode, the drive circuit supplies, to thefirst and second drive lines, a signal having the same phase as thesignal supplied to the common electrode.
 7. The drive circuit of claim6, wherein the mode control circuit further sets a fourth mode in whichthe mode control circuit supplies, to the first drive line, a signalhaving the same phase as the signal supplied to the common electrode,and supplies, to the second drive line, a signal having a phase oppositeto the signal supplied to the common electrode.
 8. The drive circuit ofclaim 6, wherein the display elements correspond to red, green and bluefilters, and a second display state includes a single-color displaystate in red, green, blue, black or white.
 9. A display devicecomprising a pixel circuit comprising: a digital signal line to which adigital signal based on image data is supplied; a memory which storesthe digital signal and is provided in a pixel; a first drive line whichsupplies a first signal from a drive circuit, and a second drive linewhich supplies a second signal from the drive circuit; and a pixelpotential select circuit which is electrically connected to a pixelelectrode, and selectively supplies the first signal or the secondsignal to the pixel electrode in accordance with the digital signalstored in the memory, the display device comprising: a common electrodewhich faces the pixel electrode, is supplied with a common signal, andproduces an electric field for driving a liquid crystal layer betweenthe pixel electrode and the common electrode; and a display controlcircuit which sets a storage period for storing the digital signal inthe memory, and a display period in which a gate circuit selectivelysupplies the first signal or the second signal to the pixel electrode inaccordance with the digital signal stored in the memory, wherein thedisplay device changes an image in a display area for displaying theimage data in the display period.
 10. The display device of claim 9,wherein the display device performs blinking display using a white imageor a black image in the display period.
 11. The display device of claim9, wherein the display device sets a second display state in which avoltage waveform of the first signal or the second signal has beenchanged to another voltage waveform in the display period.
 12. Thedisplay device of claim 9, wherein the display device performs a firstmode and a second mode, in the first mode, potential when the firstsignal is supplied is phototransmissive potential, and potential whenthe second signal is supplied is light-shielding potential, in thesecond mode, potential of the first and second signals isphototransmissive potential, and in the display period, the displaydevice changes the first mode to the second mode in the display period.13. The display device of claim 9, wherein the display device performs afirst mode and a third mode, in the first mode, potential when the firstsignal is supplied is phototransmissive potential, and potential whenthe second signal is supplied is light-shielding potential, in the thirdmode, potential of the first and second signals is light-shieldingpotential, and in the display period, the display device changes thefirst mode to the third mode.
 14. The display device of claim 9, whereinthe display device performs a first mode and a fourth mode, the firstsignal in the first mode is a same signal as a second signal in thefourth mode, the first signal in the fourth mode is a same signal as thesecond signal in the first mode, and a mode control circuit switches thefirst mode to the fourth mode in the display period.
 15. The displaydevice of claim 1, wherein the display device switches a mode accordingto wireless communication from outside.
 16. The display device of claim6, wherein the display device switches the mode according to wirelesscommunication from outside.
 17. The display device of claim 9, whereinthe display device switches a mode according to wireless communicationfrom outside in the display period.
 18. The display device of claim 1,wherein the display device is used to show advertising information. 19.The display device of claim 6, wherein the display device is used toshow advertising information.
 20. The display device of claim 9, whereinthe display device is used to show advertising information.